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Gameplay Topic – Discussion Topic – Profile Topic Discussions in the Dark This is the discussion topic for City in the Dark. Use this topic to discuss the game, ask questions, invite other players to join in your actions and post OOC comments. Past Events: · Three months ago – a team sets out from Katipo to trade with the surface-dwellers. · Two months ago – the team returns bearing supplies for the city, and reports a successful expedition, with nothing out of the ordinary occurring. · Six weks ago – odd rahi behaviours are first reported. · Five weeks ago – a blade-burrower stampede through the city’s outskirts kills two Matoran. · Four weeks ago – a muaka with the head of a kane-ra enters Katipo and is captured by the city guard. · Two weeks ago – Ofeo the Matoran miner disappears. Others follow in the days afterwards, each giving no sign of where they went. · One week ago – The Hammer reveals itself and performs its first attack. · Three days ago – the most prominent disappearance yet occurs, with the captain of the city’s guard vanishing without a trace. · Now – let the game begin! Current Events: · Turaga Tawhito has offered a great reward to whoever can solve the mystery of the rahi and the disappearances. · The Miners’ Corporation are expanding production into a newly-discovered vein of lightstones. Coming Events: ???
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Gameplay Topic – Discussion Topic – Profile Topic Characters in the Dark This is the profiles topic for City in the Dark. Post your profiles here and wait for them to be approved. Once they have been approved, dive into the game and start playing them. Characters in this game can be any being living in the city of Katipo. This includes many MU species, so why not branch out and try playing a more unusual race? There are some that are not there, however. These include Makuta and Zyglak, among others. (Toa are rare, though not endangered in this period of history, with a population of a few hundred scattered throughout the Matoran Universe. In an isolated, peaceful and secure city like Katipo, however, it is not realistic to have too many toa running around.) To create a character, fill out this character profile and submit it for approval. This layout is only a suggestion, so feel free to change the format if you wish. Name: Make it sound BIONICLE-ish Gender: Male, Female, unknown, neither, somewhere inbetween. Species: Something from the MU. Try not to make it overpowered or unlikely that they would live in a place like Katipo. Group: If any. Element: If applicable to the character’s species. Kanohi: If applicable to the character’s species. Custom masks are OK if approved. Other Powers: As applicable to the character’s species Appearance: What do they look like? A MoC, drawing or description will do. Equipment: What do they have with them? Biography: About their life. Personality: What are they like? How do they act? Skills/Strengths: What are they good at? Weaknesses: What are they bad at? What hurts them? You cannot play as a canon character. Make your own. There is no limit on how many characters each player can control. Species Notes: On the traits and abilities of the most common species in Katipo: Matoran Matoran are the smallest species in Katipo, standing a little below one bio (4.5 feet) in height, but they are also the most numerous. Each has a latent elemental trait that corresponds to their element, and they require kanohi to stay healthy, though they cannot use mask powers. Destined Matoran can transform into Toa. Turaga Turaga are the final stage of a Matoran’s evolution, and are just a bit taller than Matoran They are revered as elders because of their experience as Matoran, Toa and Turaga, and most other beings will take notice of their wisdom. They can use a weakened elemental power and noble kanohi. Toa Toa are the heroes of the Matoran universe, typically around 1.6 bio tall (7-7.5 feet). Each Toa has an elemental power and can use great kanohi. Most Toa serve the power of good, but this is not guaranteed. Skakdi Skakdi are the warlike species of Zakaz, who were a relatively peaceful race before being transformed by Makuta Spiriah around 72,000 BGC. They do not have the mental discipline to use kanohi powers, (though they can wear the masks) but instead they have a vision power, an elemental power (which can only be accessed when there is another friendly Skakdi nearby) and a third, individual ability. They are about the same height as toa. Krekka’s Species (Ruri) The Ruri, stand a modest eight feet in height – more than toa, but less than the other tall species. They are thickly built and by far the strongest of the common species in Katipo, though admittedly not the smartest. Each Rori has a power that acts upon their own body, granting them abilities such as flight, water-breathing, enhanced speed or senses, invisibility… the list goes on. Vortixx Vortixx are a tall race of beings (around 10 feet) hailing from Xia. They are known for their cunning and skill with technology, which has allowed them to create all sorts of amazing devices. They have no powers of their own, instead using their magical technologies. Trinuma’s Species (Kodura) Kodura stand about 2 bio (nine feet) tall and have horns on their heads. Many Kodura carry special kinetic tools which are unique to their race. The making of these is a closely-guarded secret, but when used, they can emit and manipulate kinetic energy. This can be used to allow the users to fly, fire bursts of force or manipulate objects to some degree. They are able to use great kanohi. Hydraxon’s Species (Tarore) Tarore are among the tallest of the common species, standing ten feet or taller. They are also the second strongest when unenhanced, with muscular physiques being the norm. They are renowned as skilled fighters and masters of weapons, though they do not have the same strength of magical power that some other species enjoy. The power of the Tarore lies in enchanting their weapons. Each member of this species can (in a lengthy, complicated process I will not describe here) forge a connection between a weapon and their own body to allow them to exchange attributes between them. This can only be done with one weapon at a time. Because each weapon is attuned to its owner, it cannot be used by anyone else. For details on the use of this power, see here. They cannot use kanohi. Tobduk’s Species (Hirohi) At ten feet tall on average, Hirohi are among the largest beings in Katipo. They have the ability to use great kanohi, and can gain physical strength by feeding on various feelings, both in themselves and those around them. There is much variation in which feelings give strength to a particular Hirohi. Examples include anger, sadness, joy, pain, excitement, fear, courage and confusion, though others are possible. As with any RPG, there are some canon powers that cannot be used. These include: The legendary masks, for obvious reasons. The olmak, avohkii, krahkan, olisi and mask of elemental energy, all of which are unique. There are none of these masks in existence other than the ones shown in story the canon. The elements of light and shadow, though some light or shadow-based powers may be acceptable. The mohtrek, because infinite insta-armies are annoying. The mask of undeath, because unkillable zombies are no fun. The komau (great mask of bunnying), the sanok (great mask of auto-hitting) and the Mask of Clairvoyance (great mask of meta-gaming) are all off-limits. While it is possible to use these responsibly in an RPG, I’d rather save everyone the trouble of sorting out how they should and shouldn’t be used within good RPing etiquette. The mask of conjuring, because it is ridiculously overpowered. Staff Characters Name: Tawhito Species: Turaga Gender: Male Group: Nominal leader of the Katipo City Guard, leader of Katipo. Element: Earth Kanohi: Noble Rode – this mask allows him to detect any spoken (but not written) falsehoods and to detect (but not see through) all forms of magical concealment (invisibility, illusions, etc). Appearance: Tawhito is a typical Turaga of earth. Short, hunched and slow but wise and thoughtful. Tawhito’s armour is black and dark grey, save for his heartlight, which is a dull red. His eyes shine bright green. Equipment: Tawhito’s badge of office is a long, thin stone staff topped with a bright green jewel. The gem was something Tawhito acquired during his time as a Toa, and can emit a bright light when the holder desires it. If it was any other powers other than its ceremonial importance, they are unknown. Biography: Tawhito gave up his toa power 60,000 years ago after helping to establish the city of Katipo and defeating a gigantic rahi that the first miners disturbed. The humungous beast was sedated and transported to the Metru Nui archives for further study (it was later re-awakened by Toa Hagah Kualus in the Dwellers in Darkness serial). Out of gratitude for his contribution, Turaga Tawhito was made the leader of the City in the Dark, as has kept the job ever since. He did step on a few toes in his rise to power, however, so not everybody was happy with his appointment. Personality: Tawhito is a cautious leader who likes to give due consideration to any decision he makes. He does not often move quickly, but values patience almost as a fourth virtue. He greatly dislikes it when others are reckless or impulsive around him. He is loyal to the inhabitants of Katipo, and would never intentionally do something that would cause them harm. Skills/Strengths: Tawhito is known for his sound judgement and genuinely caring about the people of his city. His honesty is well known throughout the city, and he is good at using his mask to detect falsehoods. Weaknesses: Turaga Tawhito is a leader, not a fighter, a miner, an athlete, a chef or a singer. What he does, he does well, and leaves all those other things to people whose jobs they are. Name: Karoro, alias Bo-Kal. Species: Kodura (Trinuma’s species) Gender: Male Element: N/A Kanohi: Mahiki Group: Miners’ Corporation and The Hammer Appearance: Imagine Trinuma, but with black armour instead of silver, and dark green where he had red. Change the mask to a mahiki and get rid of the ghostblasters too. There: that’s him. Nine feet tall, horned and muscular, Karoro is physically imposing, even if he isn’t the most handsome being in Katipo. Equipment: Karoro uses the kinetic tools that are characteristic of his species. His main weapon is a protosteel sword, long but thin and decorated with engravings of nui-jaga running over the hilt and up the blade. Finally, he uses a device which channels the energy of weaken kanoka disks into a beam, allowing him to weaken objects or beings. This is particularly useful in the mines, where such devices are used to weaken areas of rock before they are harvested. Biography: Karoro is one of the top-ranking individuals among the city’s miners, and one of the leaders of his species in Katipo. He was one of the people who were most influential in building the area’s mining community, which lead to the city’s foundation. He was tipped by many to become the leader of Katipo, but instead the job went to the newly transformed Turaga Tawhito. Now, millennia later, his resentment of the Turaga has outgrown his restraint, and he has formed The Hammer in an attempt to put more pressure on the old Turaga and seize power for himself. Personality: Beings who have met Karoro might describe him as charismatic and intelligent, even cunning. This is the image he presents to the world, and as much as most people ever see of him. These traits have served him well in gaining and keeping his influential position in Katipo, but there is more to him. Those who know him well might describe him as unyielding and determined, to the point of ruthlessness, but even they might be surprised by his actions in leading The Hammer. In this context, he shows his true colours as downright vindictive, greedy and domineering. Skills/Strengths: When he wants to be, Karoro is charismatic and silver-tongued, being able to talk his way into or out of almost any situation. His mind is sharp and swift, which helps with manipulating other people, and keeping his plans one step ahead of everyone else. Finally, he is a master illusionist, being able to use his mask to cast near-flawless images in a variety of situations. Weaknesses: Karoro is vain, arrogant and greedy. Above all else, he desires power, so he hates situations where he is not in control, or doesn’t know what is happening. Name: Orde Species: Toa Gender: Male Element: Psionics Kanohi: Kadin Group: Katipo City Guard Appearance: Orde is a tall toa in blue and gold armour, the colours of Psionics. His armour is smooth and sleek, giving the impression of water flowing over his body, but somehow keeping the shape of the tissues beneath. His golden eyes sometimes make him look a little grim, but not mean. Biography: Orde was never a Matoran. Instead, he was created as a toa by the Great Beings before Mata Nui was launched, one of the first to come into existence. His first assignment was to use his mental powers to calm down the Zyglak, but it didn’t work out as planned. Instead, the Zyglak just got even more vicious and destructive. Since then, Orde has travelled widely across the universe, protecting groups of Matoran who needed a Toa to get them through tough times. On one such journey, he visited Xia, where he acquired his rhotuka launcher. 10,000 years before the present time, he came to live in Katipo, stating a desire to live somewhere quiet for a while, and joined the city’s guard. He doesn’t talk much about the times before he entered the city, but a few other citizens know about his altercation with the Zyglak. He was one of the last group to leave Katipo for trade, though he has been very quiet about it since he got back. Even since Turano’s disappearance, he has spent a lot of time alone in his house. Personality: Orde is brave and strong-willed in the face of adversity, but otherwise tends to be more reclusive and quiet. If he feels that there is something he thinks needs to be said, he will happily say it even give a detailed speech on the topic, but otherwise he is just as happy with his own thoughts for company as conversing with other beings. Equipment: Orde carries with him the standard spear and shield that identify him as a member of the Katipo Guard. He has a badge that also serves this purpose, and allows him access to Guard HQ and authority in the streets. Finally, he carries a small rhotuka launcher. His rhotuka project forcefields where they strikes a target. Skills/Strengths: One of the first toa created in the Matoran Universe, Orde has been using and refining his psionic powers for longer than almost anyone else. He can read minds with ease, and pick out important memories or information within seconds, often without the targets noticing. Memory modifications are another skill of his. Not only is he good with his powers, but using them has taught him that in almost any circumstances, brains will beat brawn. According to this principle, he will apply knowledge and intelligence to any situation, rather than brute strength. Weaknesses: Orde most often relies on his mental powers to get him through tough situations, so even with all his experience, he still isn’t the best melee fighter. He has an intense dislike of Zyglak. Yes, Orde is here for a reason. What is that reason? Is it important to the plot? How does this connect to his other backstory? I’m not telling… yet. Maybe you should go and talk to this character, hint hint. Name: Turano Species: Hirohi Gender: Male Element: N/A Kanohi: Faxon Group: Katipo City Guard Appearance: Like others of his species, Turano has a lean and muscular physique. He is ten and a half feet tall, and decked out in strong armour with alternating plates of dark red and brown. His mask is in the shape pof a great arthron. Biography: Turano has been around Katipo for about as long as anyone. When a few Matoran miners first prospected for gold here, he was one of the soldiers hired to protect them and their workers as they began a new mining venture. As the place grew and then the city was built, he stuck around, adapting to the changes as history progressed. When the Katipo City Guard was formed, he was the obvious choice for its leader, having shown so much dedication to the place in the past. Since then, he has been keeping the streets safe and even led some of the expeditions to the surface world. The last one of these took place just two months past. The rahi started behaving oddly two weeks later, and then three weeks after that, Turano did not turn up to Guard HQ one morning, and has not been seen since. Personality: In keeping with his power, Turano is strong and courageous. He is dependable as a rock, and dedicated to Katipo and its people. When he disappeared, that was when people really got worried. While genuine and likeable, he does have a serious, no-nonsense attitude. Equipment: Turano carries a long spear as tall as he is as well as a large shield. It is standard guard equipment, scaled up to match his species’ stature. Skills/Strengths: Turano is a skilled warrior and excellent leader of other soldiers, being able to inspire loyalty and determination in others. His courage is evident in this and has never been questioned by another. Weaknesses: Turano is at his most vulnerable when nobody around him is feeling courageous. Normally, he is surrounded by other members of the guard, so this is not a problem, but in the current circumstances, the city’s population is becoming fearful, and it is cutting into his supply. More to be added as they are revealed.
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Gameplay Topic – Discussion Topic – Profile Topic The mining city of Katipo lies buried in the bedrock of the Southern Continent. It is shielded from the outside world by a network of grand caverns and tunnels, known as Mangaia, an old Matoran word meaning “Protector”. In fact, the inhabitants have become so shielded that they have lost almost all connections to the outside world. It is very rare for beings to enter or leave. The last team of brave adventurers to set out from the city returned two months ago after trading what the miners had dug out of the earth with the surface-dwellers. They seem to have brought more than merchandise back with them. Trouble is stirring in the city. It began with the area’s rahi. They were acting strangely. It was hardly enough to worry about, until a heard of blade burrowers stampeded through a housing block, trampling two Matoran. Since then, more and more rahi-related incidents have occurred. Some rahi were spotted that no-one had heard of before. Odd mutants displaying baffling powers occasionally emerged from the surrounding darkness, frequently attacking citizens before retreating into the shadows. The best-known occasion was when a Muaka with the head of a Kane-Ra ran down one of the main streets while causing everything it touched to shrink to half its size. The beast was cornered by the city guard and captured, though nobody knew what to do with it after that, so it has remained in captivity. Even more disturbing, some beings have seemingly vanished, and chief among them is the leader of the last expedition out of Katipo, who is also the captain of the city’s guard. None of them have left any indications of where they went, or why. Citizens are growing nervous, however. Clearly, there are forces beyond simple rahi at work here. The leader of Katipo, Turaga Tawhito, has offered a great reward to any being who can solve the mystery behind the events and put an end the disappearances and the unnatural wildlife that has come to the City in the Dark. About the Game City in the Dark is an invitation for you, the player, to probe the mysteries of the darkness. What you seek is out there, but knowledge is not all you might find. Shadows, danger, power, and hope can all be found when seeking answers, but which you find is up to you. Do you dare to explore? You may be surprised by what you discover. If solving mysteries is not your thing, then there are plenty more things for you to do within the world of this game. Keep reading. The events of this RPG will take place around 5,000 years Before the Great Cataclysm (BGC) About Katipo Layout Katipo exists many kio below the surface of the Southern Continent, in a massive cavern 100 bio in height called Mangaia. The city and its 2,000 or so inhabitants take up most of the space in Mangaia. There are other, much smaller, caves and tunnels leading away from Mangaia. These used to house beings when Katipo itself was still under construction, but have long since been abandoned in favour of the main city. Only rahi, exiles and the mad live in the Outer Darkness. Katipo sits on top of the largest mine on the Southern Continent. It provides much of the universe with ores, stone, lightstones and many other goods. The mine forms the cornerstone of Katipo’s economy. The city itself is circular, with 24 main streets leading radially out from a central point, the Central Concourse. Curved cross streets run in circles around the city, joining these main passageways. It was this shape that led some outsiders to refer to the city as “The Web”. The Central Concourse contains all the most important buildings in Katipo, such as Turaga Tawhito’s hall, the largest markets in the city and the headquarters of organisations like the Katipo City Guard and the Miners’ Corporation. In addition the city is two-tiered. While half of Katipo lies on the floor of the cavern as in most cities, there is a mirror image second city carved out of the cavern’s roof. In the world above, the streets are made of (very thick and strong) glass to allow both levels to see each other. The two levels are connected by elevators, placed on every second junction between the radial and circular main streets. The entire place is lit by a myriad of different coloured lightstone lanterns. These are hung regularly along all the streets and inside buildings, so when looking down from the top tier of up from the bottom, the city looks like it has been sprinkled with glitter. Government Katipo is led by Turaga Tawhito and policed by the City Guard. Together, it is their responsibility to ensure the safety and prosperity of all the beings living in Katipo. Inhabitants The residents of Katipo are a diverse group, species-wise. Matoran and the most common, but there are also a few toa in the city, with other beings such as Vortixx, Steltians, Hydraxon’s, Tobduk’s and Trinuma’s species and even a few Skakdi. For notes on these species and their abilities, see below. Technology While not quite at Metru Nui’s level of advanced technology, Katipo’s mineral wealth has allowed it to trade with other lands for some pretty good tech. Kanoka disks are present here (though not as ubiquitous as in Metru Nui), as are knowledge crystals, protodermis refineries and many different kinds of motorised vehicles. Most of the more advanced tech is involved in the mines; I’m talking big vehicles, drilling machines and explosives – things that make ussal crab carts look horribly out of date. Factions: Katipo City Guard Really, there’s not a lot to say that isn’t implicit in the name. About 60 strong, the Guard is there to keep everyone in the city safe, whether from rahi, criminals, cave-ins or anything else that might pose a threat. They are well-regarded by the populace and have a reputation for being tough but fair. Leadership: Technically, the guard answers to Turaga Tawhito, but the day-to-day operations were all taken care of by a being named Turano, the Head of the Guard. Since his disappearance, the other guards have done their best to get along without him, but no replacement has yet been found. Base: Guard HQ is located on the Central Concourse, near the southwest corner. It is one of the largest structures there, standing three floors above cavern floor, and three more below. Symbol: A black stone shield on a red background. Other info: All members of the guard carry a badge with the Guard’s insignia to identify themselves. These allow access to secure locations within the city, such as Guard HQ. All Guard members are equipped with a shield and spear, but many choose to use their own equipment as well as or instead of these. Miners’ Corporation The mines below and around Katipo are not governed by the city’s leaders, but by their own independent body – the Miners’ Corporation. This group negotiates trade of minerals with other settlements, prospects new areas and employs everyone who works in the mines. As the economic powerhouse of the region, the Corporation holds huge influence within Katipo, because almost everybody depends on them one way or another. Leadership: The Miners’ Corporation uses a ridgid hierarchy of authority, accounting for the simplest worker digging holes up to the beings who coordinate the whole operation. The top level consists of a dozen beings who together form a ruling council. It should be noted that there is little unity within this council, and there is great contention among them over many issues. Really, the only reason any of them tolerate the others is that nobody has enough power to rule on their own. It’s a cutthroat world at the top of big business. Base: The headquarters of the Miners’ Corporation is located at the junction of the Central Concourse and the main street running north. It is a large building, taking up the entire city block. It is constantly bustling with activity as beings hurry to and fro, carrying information in and out, whether they be profit reports, requests for more drills or orders to excavate a new tunnel. Symbol: A pickaxe in front of a stack of golden ingots, all set against a green background. Other Information: Most of the richest beings in Katipo belong to the Corporation. The average workers lower down aren’t too badly off, but the further up the chain you go, the more affluent beings you find. The guys at the top are filthy-stinking-rich. The Hammer In these difficult times, fear and uncertainty are rife within the population, serving to inflame old rivalries and conflicts. The guard is stretched thin, trying to deal with rahi attacks, investigate disappearances and maintain order in Katipo. While this combination of misfortunes is horrifying for many, it is a perfect opportunity for the unscrupulous. The Hammer is a newly emerging faction, which has only appeared since the rahi attacks and disappearances began. It is composed of many different individuals who have little in common other than the desire to use the city’s troubles for their own benefit. This newly formed gang has congealed under the leadership of a being calling himself Bo-Kal. So far, they have been performing raids on various locations within the city, stealing, destroying and assaulting citizens, and then disappearing again just as quickly. They have demanded that Turaga Tawhito step down as leader of Katipo so that Bo-Kal can take his place in a coup. At this point, the demands have been laughed off and rejected, but as the attacks become more frequent and more violent, it remains to be seen whether the Guard can face enemies both within the city and without. Individual members also have their own agendas that they can advance by carefully targeting their raids. The members of The Hammer are known only to each other, and are careful to keep their identities hidden during their attacks. They wear large concealing cloaks and dark masks to cover their faces. There are currently 15-20 members. Leadership: All members are under the direct authority of Bo-Kal. Base: The Hammer are known to have a base, but just where it is is not public knowledge. The best guess is that it is somewhere within the top tier of the city, which is less densely inhabited, and where many of The Hammer’s raids have taken place. Symbol: Having been around only a short time, The Hammer doesn’t have a recognised, official seal. Drawings of hammers are occasionally used, but there is no consensus about what type of hammer, nor how it is drawn. Make your own. No really, go ahead. Make your own groups; this is encouraged. I have outlined the major groups in Katipo, but there are many other, smaller groups free for you to design and play. What to form the Katipo Kolhii Club? Feel free. Hold a city-wide tournament if you feel like it. In particular, groups of beings who are working together to solve the mysteries of the plot are highly encouraged. You will make more discoveries this way. More will be revealed later as the plot progresses. If say, a few Dark Hunters turn up, (not that I’m saying they will) players might get to play as them as a reward for good RPing and contribution to the game. Rules · All BZP rules apply, obviously. · In general, don’t do anything that breaks the realism or detracts from other peoples’ enjoyment of the game. All the usual RPG fallacies fall under this, such as god-modding, meta-gaming, bunnying, auto-hitting and the like. For more on these, see the BZPRPG topics, where you will find some great descriptions and more details on the subtleties of these. · Use IC and OOC to separate what your character(s) do from you talking. · Do not wreak huge destruction on the city. After all, if you decide to go nova and bring down the cavern, you will squish the entire city and end the game very quickly with the deaths of every character. Nobody wants that. Minor blowing stuff up is all right (so long as you can avoid the Guard and their prison). · Do not kill or injure somebody else’s character without permission. · GMs have the right to do anything they see fit in the IC world. This includes punishments for rule-breaking and rewards for making positive contributions to the RPG.
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Did a picture of Karaihe, my character for The Lorax's City In The Dark bionicle RPG. Karaihe is probably one of my favourite OCs - he is basically everything skakdi: warlike, trigger-happy, violent, bloodthirsty, uh...fun-loving? (if your idea of fun is a massive battleground). See it on deviantart (in better resolution) I decided to also draw a pic of all his weaponry... ...even though he only appears with his broadsword in "City in the Dark". In my headcanon, the dual-action weapons the Piraka carried are kinda classic Skakdi weapons, so I decided to give him one too. As for the launcher, I felt like giving him a launcher. see it on deviantart (in better resolution) So that's about it for today folks, tell me what you think of them.
